The population of the state of Oregon is less than 2 percent black. So it has been difficult for private colleges and universities in the state to attract diverse student bodies. Now a group of 10 private colleges and universities has joined forces to work together to increase the number of black and other minority students on their campuses.

Through the Oregon Independent College Foundation, $1 million in scholarship aid is being offered to minorities or students who are the first generation in their family to attend college. The foundation will offer 50 new scholarships of $4,000 each this year to students who are underrepresented on their particular campus.

The foundation has also mounted a recruitment drive and publicity campaign to let black students know of the higher education opportunities available to them in Oregon.